The city has the Convention Center available where their meetings/workshops can be held. Since the city owns it, the facility could probably be used free of charge. If that is not allowed, then pay for the use since there has been much controversy about income for the Convention Center. The participants could go home at night and sleep for free and food could be brought in by local restaurants. Many of them cater.

Keep the money in Fort Smith and Sebastian County. City, state and federal government need to look for ways to increase revenue into their own coffers instead of spending the taxpayer dollars on outside sources.

Also, I am wondering why the city directors need $400 per month for a car allowance. What is this used for? Mileage, upkeep on their car or is it used to make a payment on a car?